The Mormon Church

…a latter day religion

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• How did this church go from the visions of

one man, Joseph Smith to a church that boasts 14.1 million members worldwide?• Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805) – Family did not know what church to join. In

1820 he went into the woods to pray. God said not to join a church because they all were corrupt. (He was 14 years old at this time)

• Sept. 21, 1823 – Angel Moroni appears to him and reveals the location of a book inscribed on gold plates. There were two stones with silver bows with them he could use to translate (Urim, Thummim)

• 1827: He is told they are buried in nearby hill (Cumorah) – He was to go there every year for four years, but not remove them. In the fourth year he was told to dig them up and translate them

• 1829: Smith & Oliver Cowdery go into woods to pray – John the Baptist appears an places upon them “the Aaronic priesthood.” They

begin to prophesy and claim to truly understand the scriptures (Bible)• 1830: Book of Mormon translated and placed for sale in bookstore

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• How did this church go from the visions of

one man, Joseph Smith to a church that boasts 14.1 million members worldwide?• April 6, 1830: Church is organized with 6 members. Smith & Cowdery

ordained each other as elders. Grew to 40 members in one month• 1831: Church moved to Kirtland, OH – Temple built there in 1836. Here

Smith wrote “Doctrines & Covenants” and began revising the KJV• Next the church moves to Independence, MO. Smith declares this to be

the land of promise & location for city of Zion. Mormons are opposed and move around… Land in Quincy, Illinois for a while

• 1839: Quincy is renamed to Nauvoo. Smith creates a militia called “Nauvoo Legion” - They start heavy evang. & temple building

• 1844: Nauvoo Expositor (paper) starts publishing anti-Mormon things… Smith leads people to burn the press. He is imprisoned. On June 27 a mob attacks the jail… Smith has a gun smuggled in and kills two men and injures a third. The mob kills Smith & his brother

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• How did this church go from the visions of

one man, Joseph Smith to a church that boasts 14.1 million members worldwide?• Next, Brigham Young and Sidney Rigdon both claim to be “guardian” – The

church supports Young and Rigdon breaks away.• 1846: Illinois makes Mormons move… Head west & settle Salt Lake City• Other Major Dates And Events…

• 1843 – Smith announces revelation authorizing plural marriages. He calls this a “new and everlasting covenant” (already practicing

it!)• 1890 – After great pressure from U.S. government they rescind the

rule about polygamy. Utah achieves statehood in 1896.• 1918: Joseph Fielding Smith’s revelation clarifying baptism for the

dead… Smith started practicing this in 1840.• 1978 – Blacks (dark skinned people) finally admitted into priesthood

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• The organization of this church:

• Apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc• Universal church: 15 Apostles… First Presidency (President, 1st & 2nd

Counselors) and Quorum Of The Twelve, The Seventy (Servants)• Local Churches: Called “Wards,” overseen by a bishop, a group of “wards”

make up a “stake,” each “stake” has a president… teens serve in each ward as deacons, teachers, priests, and elders

• Mormon church is living & dynamic (it’s changing & updating)• Believe in continual prophecy – First President is the prophet (like pope)• They have changed on the issue of polygamy: In 1843 it was said to be an

“everlasting” covenant and in 1896 it was put to an end!• Their position on blacks – Dark skinned were cursed, punished for taking a

neutral side in Satan’s rebellion, and not allowed to enjoy blessings of the gospel… 1978 were granted entrance into “lay priesthood”

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• The organization of this church:

• Apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc• Universal church: 15 Apostles… First Presidency (President, 1st & 2nd

Counselors) and Quorum Of The Twelve, The Seventy (Servants)• Local Churches: Called “Wards,” overseen by a bishop, a group of “wards”

make up a “stake,” each “stake” has a president… teens serve in each ward as deacons, teachers, priests, and elders

• Mormon church is living & dynamic (it’s changing & updating)• Believe in continual prophecy – First President is the prophet (like pope)• They have changed on the issue of polygamy: In 1843 it was said to be an

“everlasting” covenant and in 1896 it was put to an end!• Their position on blacks – Dark skinned were cursed, punished for taking a

neutral side in Satan’s rebellion, and not allowed to enjoy blessings of the gospel… 1978 were granted entrance into “lay priesthood”

• Book of Mormon often changed… even major changes (3,913 or more!) • Feelings play a heavy role in what is believed and accepted

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• The Book Of Mormon (Joseph Smith, 1830):

• Revealed to Joseph Smith by angel named Moroni • The book of Mormon says it was given because the Bible was corrupted• It contains the history of two groups of people in the U.S.: The Jaredites

(came in 600 BC) and a group descended from Manasseh that split into two groups… the Nephites & Lamanites

• Lamanites destroyed Nephites… Moroni (son of Mormon) recorded the last of the gold plates in 421 BC… He was the last Nephite

• It was written in “Reformed Egyptian” – A language still unknown today, but was made known to Smith by the Urim & Thummim

• Smith told by angel to show plates to three witnesses. He supposedly showed them to 11, but most were close family & friends.

• The book of Mormon contains many historical errors… The discoveries made since then have only further disproved it’s authenticity

• Many of its views already existed for two years in a book called “View of the Hebrews” – It’s clear this is where his ideas originated!

Mormonism Examined

• Background & Overview Of The Church:• The book of Mormon is not the only “extra” book:

• Doctrines & Covenants – Contains revelations made to Smith, Young, and J.F. Smith as well as two declarations (Polygamy, & Blacks)

• Pearl Of Great Price – Book of Moses, Abraham, Smith’s translation of Matthew 24, and writings of Joseph Smith

• Journal Of Discourses – 26 Vol. set, sermons of Presidents & Apostles • Mormon church uses the Bible, but only the KJV and qualifies it saying

it is right only so far as it is translated right• Joseph Smith made his own translation of the Bible, more a revision

of the KJV, called “The Inspired Version” – It is not used

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• Suspicious character and life of Joseph Smith:

• Inconsistent: Told in 1820 to join no church, but joins the Methodist church in 1828. They kick him out for his “magic”

• He was known as “The Glass Looker” – He was a known treasure hunter and fraud. He put a stone in hit hat and said it told him where treasure & lost property was. 1826 – Convicted of fraud in court!

“Joseph Smith would put the seer stone into a hat, and put his face in the hat, drawing it closely around his face to exclude the light; and in

the darkness the spiritual light would shine.”(David Whitmer… One of Smith’s witnesses)

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• Suspicious character and life of Joseph Smith:

• Inconsistent: Told in 1820 to join no church, but joins the Methodist church in 1828. They kick him out for his “magic”

• He was known as “The Glass Looker” – He was a known treasure hunter and fraud. He put a stone in hit hat and said it told him where treasure & lost property was. 1826 – Convicted of fraud in court!

• Mormons are forbidden from coffee, tea, alcohol, & smoking… yet Smith was known to drink, smoke… even built a tavern in his home!

• He was an arrogant man – Claims to have done more than any other man… claimed more greatness than Paul, Peter, & even Jesus!

• He was a known perpetuator of hoaxes • Prophesied of South Carolina rebelling (Civil War) – This did happen, but

there was strong evidence it would for a year before this. He also said Great Britain would join in and it’d be a war between nations

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• The Mormon Church And The Bible:

• It is another gospel delivered by an angel… Paul said we are to treat such a thing as accursed (Gal. 1:6-9)

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another

gospel; which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any

other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said

before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let

him be accursed.”(Galatians 1:6-9 – The Inspired Version)

I am using the inspired version in all these references to show that even Smith’s own work condemns what he

taught and the Mormon church.

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• The Mormon Church And The Bible:

• It is another gospel delivered by an angel… Paul said we are to treat such a thing as accursed (Gal. 1:6-9)

• The gospel is said to have been delivered once for all (Jude 1:3)

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for

me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was

once delivered unto the saints”(Jude 1:3 – The Inspired Version)

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• The Mormon Church And The Bible:

• It is another gospel delivered by an angel… Paul said we are to treat such a thing as accursed (Gal. 1:6-9)

• The gospel is said to have been delivered once for all (Jude 1:23)• The nature of the revelations and characters behind the Mormon church

shows it is not from God (2 Peter 1:17-21)

“For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the

excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

We have therefore a more sure knowledge of the word of prophecy, to which word of prophecy ye do

well that ye take heed, as unto a light which shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts; Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scriptures is given of any private will of man. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the

Holy Ghost.”(2 Peter 1:17-21 – The Inspired Version)

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• The Mormon Church And The Bible:

• It is another gospel delivered by an angel… Paul said we are to treat such a thing as accursed (Gal. 1:6-9)

• The gospel is said to have been delivered once for all (Jude 1:23)• The nature of the revelations and characters behind the Mormon church

shows it is not from God (2 Peter 1:17-21)• Prophesies were to cease when the “perfect” arrived (1 Cor. 13:8-13)

“Charity never faileth; but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be

knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall

be done away.” (1 Corinthians 13:8-10 – The Inspired Version)

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• The Mormon Church And The Bible:

• It is another gospel delivered by an angel… Paul said we are to treat such a thing as accursed (Gal. 1:6-9)

• The gospel is said to have been delivered once for all (Jude 1:23)• The nature of the revelations and characters behind the Mormon church

shows it is not from God (2 Peter 1:17-21)• Prophesies were to cease when the “perfect” arrived (1 Cor. 13:8-13)• Joseph Smith does not fit the character of a prophet (Deut. 18:21-22)

“And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass,

that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously;

thou shalt not be afraid of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:21-22 – The Inspired Version)

Mormonism Examined• Background & Overview Of The Church:• The Mormon Church And The Bible:

• It is another gospel delivered by an angel… Paul said we are to treat such a thing as accursed (Gal. 1:6-9)

• The gospel is said to have been delivered once for all (Jude 1:23)• The nature of the revelations and characters behind the Mormon church

shows it is not from God (2 Peter 1:17-21)• Prophesies were to cease when the “perfect” arrived (1 Cor. 13:8-13)• Joseph Smith does not fit the character of a prophet (Deut. 18:21-22)• The church as a whole: Denominational structure (I Peter 5:2); a president

overseeing all the church (Eph 5:23); modern day apostles (Acts 1:21-26; I Cor. 9:1); special classification of priests (I Pet 2:5, 9); young single men as elders (1 Tim. 3:2, 4)

“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but

willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.” (I Peter 5:2 – The Inspired Version)

“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the

Savior of the body.” (Ephesians 5:23 – The Inspired Version)

“Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one

be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.”

(Acts 1:22 – The Inspired Version)

“Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in

the Lord?” (I Corinthians 9:1 – The Inspired Version)

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual

sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ… But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a

holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you

out of darkness into his marvelous light”(I Peter 2:5, 9 – The Inspired Version)

“A bishop (Elder – ASB) then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good

behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach… One that ruleth well his own house, having his children

in subjection with all gravity”(I Timothy 3:2, 4 – The Inspired Version)

“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed

thee; If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.” (Titus 1:5-6 – The Inspired Version)

The Church Restored?

From God Or Men?

The Mormon Church

…a latter day religion

Mormonism Examined• Some Specific Beliefs And Practices:• There are some things the Mormon church

seems to have right: • They baptize people for the remission of sins (Articles Of Faith #4)• They reject the Calvinistic concept of total inherited depravity (Article #2)• The Mormon church is very zealous and committed to evangelism… What

if this zeal was according to knowledge? (Romans 10:2-3)• A good faithful Mormon has a strong appreciation for morality • Note: On the surface it may seem there is more you agree on, but when

you dig deeper you find they define terms we use very differently.

Mormonism Examined• Some Specific Beliefs And Practices:• Their concept of God and man:

• “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man… God… dwelt on an earth”

• Ultimately they are teaching that God is only better than us in that he is ahead of us in the process (Like a Father being over a son)

• This means they believe in many gods… “As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become” We can all become Gods.

• Believe God has a physical body… “a tangible body of flesh and bones”• They think God has a mother, like us, and has a wife:

• God and his wife produced children physically, but these children did not have physical bodies. Earth was created so they could be

born.• Satan and Jesus are brothers – Satan rebelled and 1/3 of heaven sided

with him. Another 1/3 sided with Jesus. Final 1/3 was neutral.• God dwells on or near a star called “Kolob” (Abraham 3:9) • Bible: God is spirit, not flesh & blood (John 4:24; 1 Tim. 1:17). This

physical body is temporary (1 Cor. 15:50). Satan’s lie! (Gen. 3:5)

Ye worship ye know not what; we know what we worship; and salvation is of the Jews.

(John 4:24 – Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and

glory forever and ever. Amen.(1 Tim. 1:17 – Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption

inherit incorruption.(1 Cor. 15:50 – Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die; for God doth know, that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall

be as gods, knowing good and evil.(Gen. 3:10 – Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)

Note: Genesis 3 differs greatly in this version… It starts with the story of Satan’s rebellion.

Mormonism Examined• Some Specific Beliefs And Practices:• Deny the virgin birth… Say he was conceived

by God and Mary by the normal process • “Christ was born… in the same personal, real, and literal sense that any

son is born to a mortal father. There is nothing figurative about his paternity… meaning that his Father (Eternal God) is a Holy Man”

• They say it wasn’t adultery because God, having created all men and women, had the most perfect right to do with His own creation, according to His holy will and pleasure…”

• Yet the book of Mormon as well as the Bible emphasizes the virgin birth (Matthew 1:18, 20; Alma 7:10)

“Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy

Ghost... Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, (which,

being interpreted, is, God with us.) (Matt 2:3, 6 – The Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)

“And behold, he shall be aborn of Mary, at bJerusalem which is the cland of our forefathers, she being a dvirgin, a precious

and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and e

conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.” (Alma 7:10)

Mormonism Examined• Some Specific Beliefs And Practices:• They teach that Adam and Eve’s sin was not

as much a sin as fulfilling God’s will:• They say they would have had no children, known no joy, and do no good

if they had not have left their state of innocence (2 Nephi 2:22-25)• Adam: “Blessed by the name of God, for because of my transgression my

eyes are opened in this life I shall have joy (Moses 5:10-11)• Joseph F. Smith: “…his transgression was in accordance with law” • Their enjoyment of life and children existed before sin (Gen. 1:28, 2:25)…

They broke God’s law & sinned and suffered death (Gen 2:17; Rom. 5:14)… it resulted in pain, death, & suffering (Gen. 3:16-19; Rom 5:14-15; 1 Cor. 15:22)

And I, God, blessed them and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every

living thing that moveth upon the earth.(Gen. 1:30 – Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)

And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

(Gen. 2:31 – Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)

For in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

(Gen. 2:22 – Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)

Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after

the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. For I say, that

through the offense, death reigned over all.(Rom 5:14 – Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)

Unto the woman, I, the Lord God, said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow, and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children, and thy desire shall be to thy

husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam, I, the Lord God, said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the fruit of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it,

cursed shall be the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and

thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; By the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, until thou shalt return unto the ground, for thou shalt surely die; for out of it wast thou taken, for dust

thou wast, and unto dust shalt thou return. (Gen 3:22-26 – Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)

Mormonism Examined• Some Specific Beliefs And Practices:• Marriage in the Mormon church:

• Polygamy – Smith had 33 wives & Young had 50. An “everlasting” covenant. Never taught as a temporary measure.

• Believe polygamy will exist in the Celestial Kingdom if a person had been sealed to more than one wife through temple marriage

• “Temple Marriage” is essential to attaining godhood, to enjoying marriage in heaven and having children in eternity.

• Those who don’t obey temple marriage will not be married in eternity, have children, but will be angels who minister to those who did.

• Becoming a god or goddess hinges on temple marriage… so does bearing children and having your own world.

• Jesus clearly teaches that there is no marriage or giving in marriage in heaven… all will be like the angels in this matter (Luke 20:34-35)

And Jesus answering, said unto them. The children of this world marry and are given in marriage; But they who shall be accounted worthy to obtain that

world, through resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage. Neither

can they die any more; for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the

children of the resurrection.”(Luke 20:34-36 – Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)

Mormonism Examined• Some Specific Beliefs And Practices:• There are “temple garments” – Some

jokingly call these “magic underwear”• This is worn all the time, except when activity makes it impossible • “…the promise of protection and blessings is conditioned upon worthiness

and faithfulness in keeping the covenant” • This “underwear” protects them from temptation and evil• There are Masonic symbols on the undergarments – The compass and

square, small stitched line at belly button and right knee. Note: Mason symbols are all over the Mormon church

Top Of Brigham Young’s home

Upside down five pointed star is a symbol of Masonry. It is also

used by Satanists!

Mormonism Examined• Some Specific Beliefs And Practices:• There are “temple garments” – Some

jokingly call these “magic underwear”• This is worn all the time, except when activity makes it impossible • “…the promise of protection and blessings is conditioned upon worthiness

and faithfulness in keeping the covenant” • This “underwear” protects them from temptation and evil• There are Masonic symbols on the undergarments – The compass and

square, small stitched line at belly button and right knee. Note: Mason symbols are all over the Mormon church

• Baptizing on behalf of the dead is an important work to them:• Supposedly done for those who die without knowledge of gospel • Permission supposedly is required from a family member to do it. • The dead in this position exist in a prison state… Once the baptism takes

place, they are told of it and are offered to accept it or reject it• They do extensive genealogical research for this – Own MASSIVE records• Baptism for dead mentioned… but says “they” (I Cor. 15:29; Acts 17:28)

Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why

are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

(I Cor. 15:29-30 – Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)

Mormonism Examined• Some Specific Beliefs And Practices:• Heaven is three different levels of glory:

• The Celestial Kingdom – Highest glory… for those who fully obey. Presence of God. There are three degrees in this

and the highest degree is for those sealed in Temple Marriage• The Terrestrial Kingdom – For honorable people, but those who did not

obey. Also those who died and did not accept proxy baptism. They enjoy presence of the Son, but not of the Father

• The Telestial Kingdom – Where wicked go. At return of Jesus they are not resurrection, but spend time in Hell to bring them to repentance and sense of dependence on Jesus. They confess Jesus & live here… this is still a glorious kingdom, but not as glorious.

• Hell exists in their theology, but only a few wind up there. It’s for the sons of perdition and those who commit unpardonable sin

• Bible teaches there are only two options: Eternity with God in Heaven or separation from God in Hell (Matt. 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 1:8-9)

“Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world...

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire,

prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:35, 42 – Inspired Version, J.S.)

“In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; Who shall be punished with destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his everlasting power”

(2 Thess. 1:8-9 – The Inspired Version)

Mormonism Examined• Some Specific Beliefs And Practices:• The practice of blood atonement:

• Brigham Young: Some sins, the blood of Jesus cannot atone for… their blood has to be spilt on the ground. If they knew this, they would willingly allow their brethren to shed their blood for them.

• Heber C. Kimball: Judas was kicked to death by “them” and his bowels came out. He spoke of a day coming when this would need to be done to others who turned against the Mormon church

• Brigham Young even taught a man could practice blood atonement if he found a drop of the seed of Cain in him (dark skinned). Not only would it cost him his life, but also the life of his children!

“Any man having one drop of the seed of Cane in him Cannot hold the priesthood... I will say it

now in the name of Jesus Christ. I know it is true and they know it. The Negro cannot hold

one particle of Government ... if any man mingles his seed with the seed of Cane the only

way he could get rid of it or have salvation would be to come forward and have his head Cut off and spill his blood upon the ground. It

would also take the life of his children. (Wilford Woodruff's Journal, Vol. 4, p. 97)

Mormonism Examined• Some Specific Beliefs And Practices:• The practice of blood atonement:

• Brigham Young: Some sins, the blood of Jesus cannot atone for… their blood has to be spilt on the ground. If they knew this, they would willingly allow their brethren to shed their blood for them.

• Heber C. Kimball: Judas was kicked to death by “them” and his bowels came out. He spoke of a day coming when this would need to be done to others who turned against the Mormon church

• Brigham Young even taught a man could practice blood atonement if he found a drop of the seed of Cain in him (dark skinned). Not only would it cost him his life, but also the life of his children!

• Blood atonement was practiced in the days of these presidents of the church. Remember, the presidents were supposed to be prophets who spoke the word of God!

• The Bible teaches the blood of Jesus is sufficient for all sins. Shedding a guilty man’s sin would do no good! (I Pet 1:18-19; Rom 5:9, 20-21)

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your

vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a

lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19 – Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him… Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin

abounded, grace did much more abound; That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through

righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 5:9, 20-21 – Inspired Version, Joseph Smith)